Mumbai Police Book 400 in Five Days for CJP Solidarity Protests

Mumbai Police have registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against at least 400 people over the past five days for their alleged participation in protests expressing solidarity with the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). The crackdown has raised questions about the limits of public assembly and free expression in the city.

The demonstrations, which took place at a few locations across Mumbai, were organised by groups identifying as supporters of judicial independence. Protesters were seen holding placards and raising slogans in support of the CJP, who is currently embroiled in a political controversy in Pakistan.

Police action and legal provisions

According to a senior officer from the Mumbai Police, the FIRs were filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These include Section 143 (unlawful assembly), Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), and Section 283 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation).

“The protests were held without prior permission from the authorities. In some cases, the participants defied orders issued under Section 144 of the CrPC, which prohibits the assembly of four or more people,” the officer said. He added that the police were forced to act to maintain public order.

Nature of the protests

Sources familiar with the protests said the gatherings were largely peaceful. Participants included lawyers, activists, and academics who said they were demonstrating against the erosion of judicial independence in Pakistan.

“This is not about supporting a foreign government but about standing up for the principle of an independent judiciary,” said one organiser, who did not wish to be named. The protests were not large in scale but drew significant attention on social media.

Reactions and criticism

The heavy-handed response from the Mumbai Police has drawn criticism from some quarters. Civil liberties groups have questioned the rationale behind filing cases against such a large number of individuals for a peaceful demonstration.

“Book 400 people for holding placards? This is a disproportionate use of state power,” said a lawyer from the Bombay High Court, speaking on condition of anonymity. Others have pointed out that the focus on a foreign legal figure seems unusual for the Mumbai Police, which typically deals with local law and order issues.

What police say

Police officials have defended their actions, stating that the primary objective was to prevent any potential law and order situation. “We were not targeting any specific ideology. Our only concern was the violation of legal orders,” the senior officer reiterated.

The officer also noted that the protests were not spontaneous but appeared to be coordinated. “We have evidence that some groups were mobilised from outside the city,” he claimed. However, he did not provide further details.

Authorities are now processing the 400 cases, and those charged may be asked to appear before a magistrate. The legal process is expected to take several weeks. The incident has once again brought the spotlight on the fine line between lawful protest and unlawful assembly in India.